PARENTAL USE OF
SOCIAL NETWORKING AND
INTERNET SITES POLICY
Sandgate School Aims and Mission
We AIM to affirm the right to an appropriate education for every individual and to ensure that
right for all, regardless of individual differences, and for pupils to:
become motivated life-long learners, achieving the highest standard of which
they are capable relating to functional life skills, qualifications and quality of life
have high self-esteem, respecting others and the environment
gain technological skills
seek to extend themselves in mind, body and spirit
Our MISSION for Sandgate:
We believe that each pupil will succeed through experiencing quality in:
a broad and challenging curriculum
an enriching programme of extra-curricular activities and visits
a stimulating environment
a creative, varied and up to date range of learning experiences
innovative teaching and an investigative approach to learning
an ethos of support, challenge and encouragement to succeed
learning partnerships between school, home and the community
Sandgate School is committed to reflecting the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the
Child in its policies and practice. The rights of the child considered to be especially relevant to
this policy include:
Right 3 The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all things that affect
children.
Right 16 Every child has the right to privacy. The law should protect the child’s
private, family and home life.
Overview
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are now widely used and these types of
media allow people to communicate in ways that were not previously possible. Unfortunately
such sites can be used inappropriately by some as a means of expressing negative or
offensive views about schools and their staff. This document sets out this school’s approach to
parental use of such sites and sets out the procedures that will be followed and action that
may be taken when it is considered that parents have used such facilities inappropriately.
Where there is reference to “parent” in this document this also include carers, relatives or
anyone associated (staff, volunteers, governors etc.) with Sandgate School.
Social Networking Policy
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PARENTAL USE OF
SOCIAL NETWORKING AND
INTERNET SITES POLICY
Objectives
The purpose of this policy is to:
 Encourage social networking sites to be used in a beneficial and positive way by
parents

Safeguard pupils, staff and anyone associated with Sandgate School from the negative
effects of social networking site

Safeguard the reputation of Sandgate School from unwarranted abuse on social
networking sites

Clarify what Sandgate School considers to be appropriate and inappropriate use of
social networking sites by parents

Set out the procedures Sandgate School will follow where it is considered that parents
have inappropriately or unlawfully used social networking sites to the detriment of
Sandgate School, staff, pupils or anyone else associated with Sandgate School

Set out the action Sandgate School will consider taking if parents make inappropriate
use of social networking sites
Appropriate use of social networking sites by parents
Social networking sites have potential to enhance the learning and achievement of pupils and
enable parents to access information about Sandgate School and provide feedback efficiently
and easily. In addition, Sandgate School recognises that many parents and other family
members will have personal social networking accounts which they might use to discuss/share
views about school issues with friends and acquaintances. As a guide, individuals should
consider the following prior to posting any information on social networking sites about
Sandgate School, staff, pupils or anyone else associated with Sandgate School:
 Is the social networking site the appropriate channel to raise concerns, give this
feedback or express these views?

Would a private and confidential discussion with someone in Sandgate School be more
appropriate? If there are serious allegations being made/concerns being raised, social
media or internet sites should not be used to name individuals and make abusive
comments. Please contact Sandgate School to discuss any concerns you may have

Are such comments likely to cause emotional or reputational harm which would not be
justified, particularly if Sandgate School has not yet had a chance to investigate a
complaint?
The reputational impact that the posting of such material may have to Sandgate School,
any detrimental harm that Sandgate School may suffer as a result of the posting and
the impact that such a posting may have on pupils’ learning

Inappropriate use of social networking sites by parents
Although social networking sites may appear to be the quickest and easiest way to express
frustrations or concerns about Sandgate School and those associated with it, it is rarely
appropriate to do so. Other channels such as a private and confidential discussion with the
Headteacher or member of the Governing Body, or using Sandgate School’s formal complaints
Social Networking Policy
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PARENTAL USE OF
SOCIAL NETWORKING AND
INTERNET SITES POLICY
process are much better suited to this. Sandgate School considers the following examples to
be inappropriate uses of social networking sites. (This list is non-exhaustive and intended to
provide examples only):


Naming children or posting any comments about children who attend Sandgate School
Making allegations about staff or anyone else connected with Sandgate School

Making any posts that could be deemed to be cyber-bullying

Making complaints about Sandgate School or staff at Sandgate School

Making defamatory statements about Sandgate School or staff at Sandgate School

Posting negative or offensive comments about staff, pupils or any other individual
connected to Sandgate School

Posting racist comments

Posting comments which threaten violence
Parents should also ensure that their children are not using social networking and other
internet sites in an inappropriate manner. It is expected that parents/carers explain to their
children what is acceptable to post online. Parents/carers are also expected to monitor their
children’s online activity, including in relation to their use of social media. Please note that
most social networking sites require the user to be at least 13 years old but some only allow
access to those aged 13-18 with parental consent. Additionally, our children are especially
vulnerable to “grooming” and cyber-bullying.
Procedure Sandgate School will follow if inappropriate use continues
Sandgate School will always try to deal with concerns raised by parents in a professional and
appropriate manner and understands that parents may not always realise when they have
used social networking sites inappropriately. Therefore, as a first step Sandgate School will
usually discuss the matter with the parent to try and resolve it and to ask that the relevant
information be removed from the social networking site in question. If the parent refuses to do
this and continues to use social networking sites in a manner Sandgate School considers
inappropriate, Sandgate School will consider taking the following action:




Take legal advice and/or legal action where the information posted is defamatory in any
way or if the circumstances warrant this
Set out Sandgate School’s concerns to the individual in writing, giving them a warning
and requesting that the material in question is removed
Contact the police where Sandgate School feels it appropriate – for example, if it
considers a crime (such as harassment) has been committed or in cases where the
posting has a racial element, is considered to be grossly obscene, grossly offensive or
is threatening violence
If the inappropriate comments have been made on a school website or online forum,
Sandgate School may take action to block or restrict that individual’s access to that
website or forum
Social Networking Policy
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PARENTAL USE OF
SOCIAL NETWORKING AND
INTERNET SITES POLICY


Contact the host/provider of the social networking site to complain about the content of
the site and ask for removal of the information
Take other legal action against the individual
The following related policies are available within the school to guide parents, staff and
governors:
Safe Guarding
E-Safety & Acceptable Use Policy
Complaints Procedures
Anti-Bullying (pupils and staff)
Behaviour & Discipline
Adopted by Governors June 2015
Social Networking Policy
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